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The Ardmoreite

Posted Mar 19, 2010 @ 10:00 AM

Ardmore, OK —

Frank Simpson announced this week that he will be a candidate for the state Senate District 14 seat. He will run as a Republican.

The Springer resident is a U.S. Navy veteran and has served the community as a civic leader and pastor. A conservative, Simpson said he has life experience second to none and wants to that experience to work for taxpayers, retirees, veterans and business people in the Legislature.

“This isn’t about politics. This is about the people of southern Oklahoma,” he said. “I believe that the labels of a party should never become the principles of a man, and that’s the kind of independent leadership I hope to take to the Oklahoma state Senate.

“We need a voice in the Senate whom we can trust and a leader who will fight valiantly and with dignity and integrity for the people of southern Oklahoma. It’s the way I’ve tried to lead my life, both as a father and husband, an officer in the Navy representing our nation and as a civic leader and pastor serving my church and community.”

Simpson served in the Navy for 26 years, rising to the rank of chief warrant officer. He served onboard nine different sea commands and two shore commands.

“It was an honor to serve in the Navy during the Vietnam era and at the height of the Cold War,” he said. “I was able to take my experiences in the service and apply them to the private sector as well.”

After the Navy, Simpson oversaw distribution centers for Kmart, Dollar General and Big Lots, managing the construction of multi-million-dollar facilities.

“I oversaw the budget and construction for the most advanced distribution warehouse in the country,” he said. “I know what staying within a budget and delivering results on a deadline mean.”

Simpson is pastor of the First United Methodist Church in Mannsville. His mission work includes Loaves and Fishes and the Ardmore Soup Kitchen.

He also started a local Coats for Kids ministry for children in need.

“My Christian faith guides me every day,” he said. “I stand by the Christian values of defending unborn life and promoting the traditional values of Oklahomans.”

Simpson said he believes in the fundamental importance of eduction in the state.

“I believe a strong educational system is the foundation of our economy,” he said. “We need good schools to teach our students the skills they need to succeed. If there is one thing I know that would ensure the future of my grandchildren and great-grandchildren, it is a world-class education.”

Simpson also said he believes strongly in the power of private businesses and individuals to determine their own economic future.

“I believe that wealth creation, not redistribution, will make our state more prosperous,” he said. “I will work to keep taxes as low as possible so that Oklahomans are not taxed into poverty.”

Simpson and his wife of 46 years, Linda, have lived in the Ardmore area for 15 years. They have four daughters, 15 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

He is president of the southern Oklahoma chapter of the Military Officers Association of America, a member of the Carter County Veterans Council, chairman of the Ardmore District Trustees of the United Methodist Church and is a member of the United Methodist Camps Executive Board and Board of Trustees.

State Sen. Johnnie Crutchfield represents District 14 now but will not be running for reelection because of term limits.